McKinsey Application

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McKinsey

New answer on Nov 26, 2020

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Anonymous A asked on Jun 08, 2019

Hi all,

I applied to McKinsey in Feb 2017 and secured an interview then. However, I was rejected after the first round interview.

Now that 2 years have passed, I reapplied to McK and was rejected without even being invited to the PST. The same happened when I reapplied last year after the 1 year mark.

Would this mean that I’ve been ‘blacklisted’ by the company? I found this strange as I have more experience in my current role and has been promoted twice compared to 2017.

Your honest opinion would be much appreciated.

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Answer 1

Best answer

Francesco

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Jun 10, 2019

#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 9Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

as mentioned in other answers your rejections do not necessarily mean you have been blacklisted, it could be that HR simply did not see enough growth in your CV compared to the last application.

I would recommend the following:

1. Review your CV/Cover to be sure they are aligned with your growth path

2. Apply with a referral and/or potentially consider a less competitive office in case you are flexible with the location after the ban

3. Keep options open with other consulting firms unless you are already in strategy consulting. Even if you are targeting McKinsey as final goal, some years in other strategy consulting firms could help to make your CV more attractive.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

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Answer 2

Vlad

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Jun 09, 2019

McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

It's not that you are blacklisted but rather nothing has changed in your background since the last application. In order to be invited for the 2nd time you need to demonstrate something:

Career change
Career growth (e.g. you started managing people)
MBA
Some entrepreneurial initiative
etc

Best!

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Answer 3

Serhat

Expert

replied on Jun 09, 2019

Hi there,

It does not necessarily mean that you are blacklisted.

However, it may mean that your performance last time was below the threshold that they are not sure whether they want to give a second chance. You may want to find a referral considering you had many achievements after that interview.

Please note that this is just a hypothesis. Maybe there are some other reason(s).

Cheers
Serhat

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Answer 4

Nirmit

Expert

replied on Jun 08, 2019

Hi,

It does not mean that you have been blacklisted. But it does mean that you should try to find a referral the next time you apply. It goes a long way!

Nirmit

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Answer 5

Gaurav

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Nov 26, 2020

Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

It doesn't mean that you're blacklisted unless you didn't do something bad during the interview.

I suggest you try to reapply with a referral next time and strengthen your CV with new achievements.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

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Answer 6

Anonymous updated the answer on Sep 07, 2020

Hi A,

I don't think you've been blacklisted. You should think of improving your application process. Check if your CV shows your changes and development in past years.

Also, think of an opportunity to apply to another company.

Best, Andre

(edited)

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